Romans 15:2

Context

Romans 15:2 is part of Paul's extended exhortation to Christian unity and mutual acceptance within the Roman church. Following his discussion in chapters 14 and the beginning of 15 about the responsibilities of "strong" believers towards "weak" believers—particularly concerning dietary laws and observance of days—Paul emphasizes the principle of selfless love. This verse directly builds upon Romans 15:1, which states that "we then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves." The cultural context involved tensions between Jewish and Gentile Christians, and those with differing levels of understanding or conviction regarding Christian liberty.

Key Themes

• Selfless Service: The verse calls believers to prioritize the well-being of their neighbor over personal preferences or convenience. It's a call to abandon self-pleasing in favor of genuine, active consideration for others.
• Neighborly Love: This command reflects the broader biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself, a core tenet of Christian ethics. It's not about flattery or superficial agreement, but about seeking what is truly beneficial.
• Edification: The ultimate goal of "pleasing" a neighbor is "for his good to edification." This means building them up spiritually, strengthening their faith, and contributing to their growth in Christ. It's a constructive, rather than merely accommodating, form of love.
• Unity in the Church: By each member focusing on the good of others, the entire body of Christ is strengthened, and harmony is fostered, bridging divides that might arise from differing convictions or backgrounds.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "please" is areskō (ἀρέσκω), which means "to be agreeable, to satisfy, to accommodate." In this context, it doesn't imply mere flattery or seeking human approval in a worldly sense, but rather acting in a way that is truly beneficial and supportive to another person's spiritual journey. The phrase "for his good" clarifies the motive, emphasizing a benevolent intention.

The word "edification" comes from the Greek oikodomē (οἰκοδομή), literally meaning "a building" or "the act of building." In the New Testament, it frequently refers to spiritual construction—the building up of individuals in faith and character, and the strengthening of the church as a whole. This concept is central to Paul's teaching on communal responsibility, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 14:26 and Ephesians 4:12, where the aim is "the edifying of the body of Christ."

Practical Application

Romans 15:2 calls believers to an active, outward-focused expression of love. This means:

• Considering Others' Needs: Before acting, ask how your choices might impact the spiritual well-being of those around you.
• Sacrificial Love: Be willing to set aside personal preferences or rights for the sake of another's spiritual growth, much like Christ did (Romans 15:3).
• Constructive Engagement: Your interactions should aim to build up, encourage, and strengthen others in their faith, not to tear down or cause stumbling.
• Fostering Community: In a diverse church, this principle promotes unity by encouraging mutual respect and a shared commitment to each other's spiritual health, rather than allowing differences to become sources of division. As Paul also wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:24, "Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth."